There is a story about our founder Shunryu Suzuki Roshi answering the phone in the office at City Center. When asked “What time does meditation begin?” He replied, “It never stops!” and hung up the phone.

It is with this attitude that we will be exploring all the activities that make up our daily lives. As lay practitioners we must create ways to help us stay present and awake in the midst of our activities throughout the day, so that we keep our intention fresh and clear in each moment. We will be inviting other Lay Entrusted Teachers to contribute to this endeavor, bringing inspiration and encouragement from their experiences on the lay path.

The practice period, including the one day sittings and the sesshin, will be accessible to people with a wide range of physical abilities.

The intention of a practice period is to offer each participant the guidance and support to increase their involvement in the elements of practice for a defined period of time. Urban practice requests an adaptable and durable effort that flows from one situation to the next; sometimes defined by traditional Zen formalities and sometimes defined by the unexpected occurrences of city life.

The practice period will begin with a half-day Sitting on January 19 and end with a Seven-day Sesshin, March 24 - March 30. For those participating in the practice period as residents, the fee for these events is included in the practice period fee.

In addition to daily zazen and service, each week there will be two Dharma talks, evening classes, a student talk, and a group discussion. Participants are encouraged to join both the morning and afternoon daily zazen practice whenever possible.

It is possible to take part in this practice period as a resident or as a non-resident. Please note that residential spaces are extremely limited. Non-resident participants may join the practice period at a level of commitment that is appropriate to their circumstances. All practice period participants are encouraged to discuss the details of their schedule with a City Center practice leader.

Through training in the formal setting of the City Center we discover how to bring the request of practice to the many circumstances of our life.

Residential Participation:

Full: Including daily work practice at City Center: $1,591 shared room; $1,936 private room, if available

Limited: For people working or attending school outside: $2,279 shared room; $2,627 private room, if available

NOTE: The residential fees cover study classes, one-day sittings, and sesshin. HOWEVER, practice period participants need to confirm their attendance in these practice period activities by signing up in the City Center office.

Applications: Practice period applications can be obtained by downloading a PDF version of the appropriate application below. You may also email the office to request one or call 415.863.3136. Please also review the City Center Training Program and Practice Guidelines.

To process residential applications, a non-refundable fee of $30 is required. Use the Ticket Table below, include payment with your application, or call our toll free number 888.743.9362 or our local number 415.475.9362.

If you have any questions, please contact the City Center director by phone 415.354.0383 or email.

Related Bio(s):

Kiku Christina Lehnherr (Senior Dharma Teacher)Kiku Christina Lehnherr served as City Center abbess from 2012 to 2014. She has degrees in physical therapy and clinical psychology, and practiced both in Switzerland. A student of Tenshin Reb Anderson, she was ordained as a priest in 1993, and received dharma transmission in 2005. From 2003 to 2006 she served as head of practice (tanto) at City Center. Currently Christina lives in Marin, where she continues to support sitting groups and students as a non-residential teacher, as she did between 2006 and 2012.

Dainin Marsha AngusDainin Marsha Angus received Jukai in 1979, was shuso at City Center in 2007 and was given Lay Entrustment by Dairyu Michael Wenger in 2010. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Mill Valley since 1975. She leads three meditation groups in the Bay Area.